May is Beef Month, making this the perfect time to learn more about the U.S. beef industry.

From the farmers and ranchers to the processors, thousands of Americans play an integral role in the journey of beef from the field to the market, and we celebrate all those involved in the process throughout May with National Beef Month.

Beef cattle production is thriving across the U.S., with 25.2 billion pounds of beef produced in the nation in 2016 and the country laying claim to the largest fed-cattle industry in the world. In addition, the U.S. remains the largest beef exporter in the world on a value basis at $6.343 billion in 2016.

Southern States Contribute to U.S. Beef Industry

Texas is the top producer of beef in the U.S., and the state is home to more than 20 million cattle and calves. Approximately 4.5 million of Texas’ cattle are used for beef, which accounts for more than 14 percent of the beef cows in the nation.

Tennessee also enhances the nation’s beef industry. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture reports that beef cattle are Tennessee’s No. 1 commodity, accounting for 16.7 percent of all the state’s agriculture cash receipts, and Tennessee is home to more than 45,000 beef cattle operations – that’s over 2 million cattle.

Arkansas is another top beef producer, with the state’s beef cow herd total coming in at 893,000 head in 2016. Additionally, recent data shows the number of Arkansas farms with beef cattle is 23,385, or 54 percent of the 43,500 total farms in the state.

Plus, some cuts of beef are as lean as a 3-ounce skinless chicken thigh, and research shows that lean beef consumed daily can improve cholesterol levels.

Looking for ways to enjoy beef during May Beef Month? Consider celebrating National Hamburger Day, which falls on Memorial Day – Monday, May 28, 2018. Along with a day set aside to honor those who died while serving in the armed forces, Memorial Day is considered by many to be the official start of summer. To kick off the season, fire up the grill and enjoy a burger, or try one of these tasty beef recipes.